I was advised to start a conditioning program for my 3yo RMH who is tripping a bit under saddle. He is still young but I would like to keep him healthy and fit and growing his muscles the right way for gaiting and riding in general. Right now we do basic ground manners, walking in halter on the trail, lunging up and down transitions and riding at a walk and occasional short "trot". What else can I be doing? What does a conditioning program look like?

BTW other than the walking in halter, all of this happens almost every day, weather permitting.

momo3boys

05-12-2011 09:34 PM

Anybody?

jwells84

05-12-2011 11:30 PM

I dont know about the "conditioning program" but for the tripping I'd lunge or ride him over some trot poles. also just a thought, if he is only 3 then his body is still growing so the tripping could possibly be caused by unevenness in his body.

momo3boys

05-13-2011 08:53 AM

THanks, someone on another thread told me to post a conditioning program for others to evaluate..I'm not even sure what that is!

I am hoping to make some trotting poles to put in our work area soon

jwells84

05-13-2011 07:01 PM

youre welcome. let me know about the "conditioning program" if you find something out about it.I think it'd be good to know!
have a good one!

momo3boys

05-21-2011 07:51 PM

MOst of the conditioning programs I see ask for trotting and cantering. That is a conflict for me because he is a young Rocky still getting used to his gait... I really do need some more help with this.

jwells84

05-21-2011 10:35 PM

you could just keep him at a walk and slow trot.. increase the times, or add hills/trot poles,or something along those lines.

momo3boys

05-23-2011 02:13 PM

If this rain ever ends I am going to walk him (he likes to go much faster but I don't let him) up and down the hills every time we ride, after a good lunging of course (this rain is not helping his energy level!). I will try trotting poles on the lunge, just walking for now. He has a hard enough time picking up his feet! lol

MaggiStar

05-23-2011 02:32 PM

Can you long rein out hacking over lots of different terrain to help build up muscle? As he is younger i can see how you are reluctant to do lots wiht him but i have found lon reining to be beneficial to getting younger horses to step forward